In 1969, Elvis Presley had a hit song titled "In the Ghetto." The song tells the heartbreaking story of a child born to grow-up, live and die a violent death trapped in a neighborhood and a cycle of poverty from which he couldn't escape. The song dramatically illustrates how place and circumstances impact a kid's future and potential. The song was true back then. And, as recent studies by Harvard economists Raj Chetty and Nathaniel Hendren, and by Chetty and Hendren with Lawrence Katz show, … [Read more...]
Articles
Frank blogs regularly for the Huffington Post and writes occasional columns and articles for publications such as the International Business Times and The Economic Times of India.
Frank writes on a wide variety of topics that are critical to shaping the future of America and the American dream and to making the United States and the world a better place. These include: Business; education; poverty and inequality; politics and public policy; immigration; manufacturing; innovation; leadership; citizenship; and social commentary.
Frank’s most recent blogs are highlighted on this page. To read other blogs or articles by Frank, click on the categories or publications links on the left.
USIP Iftar celebrates Muslim women leaders
WASHINGTON, DC: Tributes were paid to Muslim women leaders from different eras and different parts of the world at the second annual Iftar party hosted by the US Institute of Peace on June 25. Scores of diplomats, government officials, academics and community leaders attended the event, which was held at the organization’s headquarters in Foggy Bottom. “From Malaysia to Egypt, Yemen to South Africa, I have witnessed firsthand…the power women have been able to tap into through their faith, … [Read more...]
Entrepreneurs are made, not born: Frank Islam, Indian-American entrepreneur
Alumni donations once again grabbed headlines as Harvard University received one of the largest donations in history -a $400-million contribution from hedge fund manager John Paulson. On the other hand, few Indian universities find such support from their alumni network. Last month, Frank Islam, an Indian-American entrepreneur, became an exception by pledging $2 million to his alma mater Aligarh Muslim University. He talks to Chidanand Rajghatta about the generous contribution. Tell us the … [Read more...]
Frank Islam becomes one of the biggest donors, releases first instalment to AMU
ALIGARH: A US based non-profit organization “The Frank Islam and Debbie Driesman Foundation” (FIDDF) has released a sum of Rs. 1.5 crore as the first installment to the Aligarh Muslim University for the construction of a new Management Complex which will house Frank and Debbie Islam Department of Management and Faculty of Management Studies and Research. Mr. Frank Islam is an alumnus of this University. AMU has already earmarked three acres of land near its founder’s house. The total project … [Read more...]
Frank Islam and Debbie Driesman Foundation releases first installment of $2 million commitment to AMU
It will support new management complex at Aligarh, endowed chair. By Raif Karerat WASHINGTON, DC: The Washington area-based Frank Islam and Debbie Driesman Foundation has donated $222,000 to Aligarh Muslim University in India, as part of its $2 million commitment for the construction of a new management complex at the 140-year-old institution. The $2 million donation was first announced in January by its founder and prominent Indian American entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank … [Read more...]
The State of U.S. Small Business: Progress Made, Work to Be Done
In announcing Small Business Week, SBA administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet proclaimed that this is "...a chance to honor our nation's 28 million small businesses and to renew our commitment to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit that is central to the American experience." The SBA is holding a series of events this week to recognize small businesses and small business award winners. Our question is whether this week should be a time to celebrate accomplishments or to reflect on the work that … [Read more...]
Baltimore and Beyond
The events of this past week put Baltimore center stage in the media spotlight. The question is whether that illumination can bring scrutiny and insight into similar vulnerabilities and potentially volatile conditions confronting urban cities across this nation. It should and it must if America is finally going to begin to address the "crisis" which it has chosen to ignore for decades. In a blog that we posted in late March, we stated that, "...not only has America not won the war on urban … [Read more...]
Opportunity Inequality: The Plight of America’s Poor Kids
Only in America, land of opportunity Can a poor boy like me Can a kid who's washing cars Take a giant step and reach right up and touch the stars. Adapted from lyrics to "Only in America" That may have been true in 1963 when this hit song recorded by Jay and the Americans was released. It has grown less true over time. And now in 2015, we are at a critical pivot point in terms of the futures of poor kids in America. What happens over the next decade will determine many of their fates … [Read more...]
Profits Without Honor: The Sad Truth About CEO Compensation
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?"(Mark 8:36). The answer: In terms of CEO compensation at major American businesses in the 21st century, everything. That's because in the corporate world today souls don't count. What does count is shareholder value. Or, put more bluntly, how that value can be manipulated to push executive pay into the stratosphere. William Lazonick, professor of economics of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, … [Read more...]
Frank Islam of US gives back $2 mn to alma mater Aligarh Muslim University – The Economic Times
WASHINGTON: He was born in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, shifted to the US when he was just 15 and now lives in a 40,000-square-foot mansion that has a five-bedroom guest house and a backyard tea house along with reflecting pools on nine acres in Potomac, Maryland, a house that took six years to build.After realising the American dream, Frank Islam, an India-born entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist who is said to be worth $300 million, is now 'investing' in the education sector in both the land … [Read more...]